Let’s face it. Figuring out where to stay in Yosemite can be daunting. In fact, finding any form of Yosemite lodging at all can feel like winning the national park lottery depending on the season. Still, even when booking accommodation well ahead of time or during off-peak periods, the options seem endless and the areas wide-reaching. From hotels to cabins to tents to campsites spanning across Yosemite Valley, Yosemite West, El Portal and Groveland – it’s tough to narrow down the choices.
The good news is – we’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled 20 of the best places to stay in and near Yosemite, undoubtedly one of California’s most beautiful national parks.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YOSEMITE
Click on a link below to skip to a specific region or accommodation category
- Yosemite Valley Lodging and Hotels
- Yosemite Valley Cabins and Tents
- Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
- Yosemite West Lodging and Hotels
- Yosemite West Cabin Rentals
- Yosemite Glamping
- Buck Meadows Lodging and Rentals
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGING & HOTELS
Ahwahnee Hotel ($$$$)
#1 Traveler-Ranked Hotel in Yosemite Valley on TripAdvisor
Smack dab in the middle of Yosemite National Park, you’ll find the Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly the Majestic Yosemite Hotel). Dubbed “luxury on the valley floor,” this lodge boasts incredible views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Although a luxury option, the Ahwahnee is a place you should experience at least once in your life, and is the perfect splurge for special occasions or a Yosemite honeymoon.
Rooms start at $341 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com
Yosemite Valley Lodge ($$$)
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor
Located right in the middle of the valley, Yosemite Valley Lodge is a fantastic option for groups and families. Featuring stunning views of Yosemite Falls, it’s the ultimate base camp for those wanting to be in the thick of it all with easy access to major hikes and attractions. Just be forewarned that this lodge books out up to a year in advance during the Spring and Summer high seasons.
Rooms start at $210 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Booking.com
YOSEMITE VALLEY CABINS & TENTS
Curry Village ($-$$)
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor
The largest lodging facility in Yosemite Valley, Curry Village (formerly Half Dome Village) offers motel rooms, traditional cabins and canvas camping cabins with plenty of dining options. This spot is central and sells out quick, so be sure to book 10-12 months in advance.
Units start at $90 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com
Housekeeping Camp ($$)
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor
The experience of camping outdoors without the hassle of setting up a tent, Housekeeping Camp is made up of three-sided concrete structures with canvas roofs and privacy curtains. Located in the middle of the valley next to the Merced river, spend the day lounging in the sand or taking in the views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Each unit features a bunkbed, double bed, table, chairs, mirror, lighting and electrical outlets.
Units start at $108 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com
YOSEMITE VALLEY CAMPING
There are 13 campgrounds alone in Yosemite National Park and that’s not including the many bordering its boundaries. If wanting to camp in Yosemite Valley, planning ahead is your best bet as most campsites book out within minutes of reservations opening each month. Below are a few of our favorite campground options in the park.
Camp 4 (Tent Only)
Rated #7 of 10 campgrounds in or near Yosemite National Park on TripAdvisor
Probably the most famous of the camping options, Camp 4 is where you’ll find world renowned rock climbers ready for their ascent up the hovering El Capitan. If looking for a central spot in the park, Camp 4 is your best option.
Reservations: Required late May – early Sept via a daily lottery; First-come, first-served rest of the year.
Facilities: Fire pit (no grill), picnic table, four shared food lockers, nearby bathroom with drinking water and flush toilets.
Rates: $6 per person per night. Enter the daily lottery now.
Photo Credit: Mailoha A. on HipCamp
Lower Pines Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
Rated #4 of 10 campgrounds in or near Yosemite National Park on TripAdvisor
Featuring an iconic view of half dome and riverside campsites, Lower Pines is another one of our favorites. Also home to a central location within the valley, you’ll be within easy reach of all the main sights.
Reservations: April – October; Closed the remainder of the year
Facilities: Fire ring, picnic table, food locker and nearby bathroom with drinking water and flush toilets
Rates: $26+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Photo Credit: Jaspery G. on HipCamp
Upper Pines Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
Rated #2 of 10 campgrounds in or near Yosemite National Park on TripAdvisor
Located just west of Lower Pines Campground, some argue this is one of Yosemite’s best campgrounds. Like its neighbor, you won’t be far from all of the top destinations in the park.
Reservations: Required year-round
Facilities: Fire ring, picnic table, food locker, and nearby bathroom with drinking water and flush toilets
Rates: $26 per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Photo Credit: Kristy W. on HipCamp
North Pines Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
Rated #5 of 10 campgrounds in or near Yosemite National Park on TripAdvisor
Located right across the Merced River from Lower Pines, this neighboring campground is also one of the more popular options within Yosemite Valley.
Reservations: April – October; Closed the remainder of the year
Facilities: Fire ring, picnic table, food locker and nearby bathroom with drinking water and flush toilets
Rates: $26 per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground (Tent & RV; No Hookups)
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor
While not located within the valley, this campground is situated along Tioga Road, and was one of John Muir’s favorite spots in the park. The perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle down below, Tuolumne is much quieter than most campgrounds in Yosemite. Due to its location along Hwy 120, be sure to check road conditions in advance for closures.
Reservations: July – September; Closed the remainder of the year
Facilities: Fire ring, picnic table, food locker and nearby bathroom with drinking water and flush toilets
Rates: $26+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
YOSEMITE WEST LODGING & HOTELS
Including Wawona, El Portal and Sugar Pine Areas
Tenaya Lodge ($$-$$$)
Rated 8.3 out of 10 on Booking.com
Nestled about two miles away from the park’s entrance, Tenaya Lodge is an absolutely stunning option that offers the best of both worlds. Offering modern amenities including AC, a spa, an on-site restaurant and more — you might almost forget you’re right next to national park wilderness. For what’s offered at this chalet-style hotel, you can’t beat the price, and wifi is included in room rates.
Rooms start at $200 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Priceline | Booking.com
Cedar Lodge ($$)
Rated 7.4 out of 10 on Booking.com
Although basic, Cedar Lodge offers reliable value and features an on-site indoor pool. Located about 20 miles from the valley, it’s often the most affordable option you’ll find in or around the park outside of camping.
Rooms start at $170 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Priceline | Booking.com
YOSEMITE WEST CABIN RENTALS
Alpenglow 1 ($$$-$$$$)
Rated 9.2 out of 10 on Booking.com
This beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit comfortably sleeps four to six and can accommodate up to eight if its sofa bed is put to use. Equipped with a kitchen, dishwasher, balcony, fireplace, A/C, wifi and private on-site parking, it’s hard to beat in terms of value for money. Situated just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Yosemite Valley in a forested section of Yosemite West, it’s also one of the most well located places to stay in Yosemite West.
Rates start at $660 per night for the unit.
Check rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Priceline | Booking.com
Note: 2 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
Chinquapin Retreat ($$-$$$)
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Expedia
A cozy option for two to four, this one-bedroom cabin (with an added sofa bed) offers tree-top views, a fully equipped kitchen, free wifi and private parking. Best of all, it’s located just 17 miles from the Yosemite Valley floor.
Rates start at $400 per night for the unit. Check availability on Expedia now.
Note: 2 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
7S Wawona Chalet ($$-$$$)
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 on Expedia
A fully-equipped mountain cabin in Yosemite, this vacation home offers two bedrooms and one bathroom and comfortably sleeps four. The terrace provides the perfect spot for summer barbecues and the free wifi will help keep you connected while away.
Rates start around $280 per night for the unit (excl. taxes and fees).
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Vrbo | Booking.com
Note: 2-3 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
Serenity Pines Cabin ($$$-$$$$)
Rated 4.8 out of 5.0 on Vrbo
This rustic cabin meets modern in the best possible way and sleeps six to eight guests comfortably. One of the top rated cabins in Yosemite, Serenity Pines offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace and free wifi.
Rates start at $650 per night for the unit (excl. taxes and fees).
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Vrbo
Note: 2 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
Yosemite View Cabin ($$$-$$$$)
New to Expedia and Hotels.com
This classic mountain cabin comfortably sleeps 6 and is actually located within Yosemite National Park! The vacation home offers three bedrooms, two baths and satellite TV. You’ll want to book quickly though as it’s only ten miles from the heart of Yosemite Valley and typically gets reserved well in advance.
Rates start at $585 per night for the unit (excl. taxes and fees).
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com
Note: 2 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
Kildrummy Lodge ($$$-$$$$)
Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 on Vrbo
Situated just 16 miles from Yosemite Village, this three-bedroom home can comfortably accommodate six to eight guests and is ideal for families with small children. The property comes equipped with a wrap-around balcony, fireplace and gas grill, and the kitchen includes a dishwasher and a microwave. Void of internet or wifi, it’s also the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Rates start at $750 per night for the unit (excl. taxes and fees).
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Vrbo | Hotels.com
Note: 2 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
YOSEMITE GLAMPING
AutoCamp Yosemite ($$$)
Rated 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com
This unique property is located an hour from the valley, but doesn’t skimp on the amenities, making the relatively long trek to the park worth it. Each trailer is equipped with a Tempurpedic mattress, organic linens and spa-inspired bathrooms complete with a walk-in shower and fluffy robes. There’s also a communal clubhouse, a freshwater pond, heated pool, sundeck and outdoor lounge areas.
Rates start at $199 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Booking.com
Note: Pets allowed for an additional fee.
BUCK MEADOWS LODGING & RENTALS
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite ($$-$$$)
Rated 9.2 out of 10 on Booking.com
Situated in Buck Meadows, Rush Creek Lodge is surrounded by forest and located less than a mile away from Yosemite’s West Entrance. Featuring an outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a spa, restaurant, tavern, pool bar and more, this property leaves nothing to chance and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring in the park.
Rooms start at $300 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Priceline | Booking.com
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite ($$-$$$)
Rated 9.0 out of 10 on Booking.com
This historic property flawlessly combines rustic charm with modern comfort. Units range from standard rooms to two-bedroom cottages, and each unit includes an ensuite bathroom, refrigerator and electric kettle. The property features an on-site restaurant, bar, coffee house, mini-market, pool, hot tub, outdoor fire pit and more. Situated just one mile from the Hetch Hetchy Yosemite National Park entrance, it’s also well located.
Rooms start at $205 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Hotels.com | Booking.com
Pine Mountain Magic ($-$$)
Rated 9.0 out of 10 on Booking.com
This cozy lakeside cabin near Yosemite North Gateway comfortably sleeps up to eight and features a game room! You’ll be fully equipped at Pine Mountain Magic with four bedrooms, a washing machine and a fireplace.
Rates start at $250 per night.
Compare rates and book: Expedia | Vrbo | Booking.com
Note: 2 night minimum stay. Pets not allowed.
Pin this post for later…
Click here to explore more from our Where to Stay series.
*All photos courtesy of the hotel, cabin, booking or information sites.*
Up and Away Magazine is reader supported. This means that when you make a booking via one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission at absolutely no additional cost to you. In this way, we are able to bring you content for free. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. Adventure on!